New Year’s Eve 2017: Seven places along the Front Range to catch fireworks

Denver rang in the New Year with fireworks on the 16th St. Mall Tuesday night, December 31, 2013. (Photo By Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)

Still looking for that perfect spot to catch a spectacular fireworks display when the clock strikes midnight? Here are some ideas.

Downtown Denver: An oldie but a goodie, the downtown sky will once again sparkle with New Year’s Eve fireworks for the 16th year. Two shows will take place — one at 9 p.m. and one at midnight. Don’t worry folks, the shows are identical. You early birds won’t miss a single boom or pop. You can catch the magic from anywhere along the 16th Street Mall. Bonus: it’s free.

Avalanche vs. New York Islanders: Not jazzed about that NYE forecast? Yeah, we don’t blame you. But wanting to stay out of the Colorado cold shouldn’t freeze your firework dreams. The Avs game is going to feature its first-ever indoor fireworks show at the Pepsi Center right after the game, which starts at 6 p.m. Hockey and a light show — it doesn’t get much better. Tickets range from $25 to $100.

Children’s Museum of Denver at Marisco Campus: So not all kids are equally enamored with NYE fireworks, and honestly you can’t blame them. They are very loud and these events are late for cranky little ones (or tired adults). The Children’s Museum offers an alternative with Noon Year’s Eve. Skip the cold, the noise and the late night with this event that goes from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be tons of cool things (including a mini train!), and bubble wrap fireworks that are far less intimidating but equally fun. Prices range from free to $15, depending on age, member discount and SNAP discount.

ViewHouse: It looks like downtown Denver has a little fireworks competition this year. ViewHouse Ballpark is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash ending with the inaugural Lodo Midnight Firework Show. You even get a champagne toast. Available tickets are $60 and include general admission, drinks and a dinner buffet.

Skate the Lake in Evergreen: This family-friendly affair is alcohol-free and features ice skating, marshmallow roasts and, of course, fireworks. The event takes place at Evergreen Lake House and costs $25. Not only is the event fun for all ages but proceeds go to DRIVE SMART, a nonprofit that offers a variety of events and programs aimed at preventing traffic-related deaths and injuries. Why not start your year with some good karma?

Pikes Peak: It’s been a tradition since 1922 for the AdAmAn Club to hike up Pikes Peak and set off fireworks to ring in the New Year, and 2017 is no different. Saving everyone a lot of time and energy, fireworks viewers don’t have to make this trek to see the spectacular show. These free fireworks show can be viewed from the outlook point at Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City in Colorado Springs.

Canon City: For the first time in five years, the city is having a New Year’s Eve fireworks show, as reported by KOAA. While not going off at midnight, the 9 p.m. show is certainly expected to be a welcome treat after the hiatus. For the best view, catch the free show along Skyline Drive.